As one of the first car-based cute-utes from the fabled SUV-maker, the 2007 Jeep Patriot blends traditional Jeep styling with a compact-car chassis. As a result, the Patriot's ride and handling, step-in height and fuel economy are more akin to a car's, with two versions rated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Along with the Compass, the Patriot is the first Jeep available with front-wheel drive. Being a Jeep, two 4-wheel-drive (4WD) systems are also offered. The 5-door hatchback will carry five passengers (only four comfortably) and 29.2 cu ft. of cargo (up to 54.2 cu ft. with the rear seat folded flat).

What We Don't

Fuel Economy & Engine Specs

The 2007 Patriot is available with a choice of two engines. Standard on all models is a 2.4-liter double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 4-cylinder with 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. With standard front-wheel drive, it received an EPA rating of 26 mpg city/30 mpg hwy with the 5-speed manual transmission and 24 mpg city/27 mpg hwy with the CVT. Four-wheel-drive models are rated at 25 mpg city/29 mpg hwy with the 5-speed manual, 23 mpg city/26 mpg hwy with the CVT or 21 mpg city/23 mpg hwy with the CVT and Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group. It runs regular unleaded.

Optional only on the Patriot Sport with front-wheel drive and the CVT automatic is a 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder rated at 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. This drivetrain combo is intended for buyers who won't venture off-road and are willing to trade acceleration for improved fuel economy. EPA estimates are 26 mpg city/30 mpg hwy. It also runs on unleaded regular fuel.

A 2000-lb Trailer-Tow package includes an engine oil cooler and rear wiring harness.

All Patriots can be equipped with 4-wheel drive. Freedom Drive I is a full-time, active system that can be driven year-round. A lock mode for the center coupling provides extra traction in deep snow and sand. Freedom Drive II is a Trail Rated off-road package with an extra inch of ground clearance for traversing steep terrain and fording water up to 19 inches deep. Skidplates, 17-in all-terrain tires, tow hooks, Hill Descent Control, Off-Road Brake Traction Control and a CVT2L continuously variable transmission with a 19:1 low ratio are included.

Pricing

Seldom accepted by the traditional Jeep crowd, the Patriot doesn't enjoy the resale value of a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. Therefore, previously owned examples can be used-car bargains. And since these are rarely taken off-road, they're less likely to be banged up with trail damage.

To get a good idea of the prices of 2007 Jeep Patriots, check out the used-car values at KBB.com. You can also search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are for sale in your area.

Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the following recalls for the 2007 Jeep Patriot:

Marathon brand front-seat covers may interfere with the operation of the front-seat side airbags, which could result in increased injury risk in a collision.

On 4WD models, incorrect rear-wheel hub bolts may prevent full actuation of the parking brake, which may allow it to roll away on a grade.

Recall repairs are required by law even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed and, if not, will fix the car at no charge to you.

Safety Ratings & Warranties

NHTSA gave the 2007 Patriot four stars for driver's side frontal impacts and rollover performance and five for front-passenger front impacts and side impacts.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2007 Patriot a Poor rating for small-overlap front impacts, a Good rating for moderate-overlap front impacts, an Acceptable rating for head restraints and seats, and a Good rating for roof strength. As for side impacts, it rated the Patriot Marginal without the optional seat-mounted side airbags, but Good when equipped with side airbags.

The Chrysler Group covered the 2007 Patriot with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty including roadside assistance, a 5-year/100,000-mile corrosion perforation warranty and an unprecedented unlimited miles/unlimited distance powertrain warranty. The catch is that the unlimited powertrain warranty is for original new car owners only.

Other Cars to Consider

2007 Ford Escape -- Ford sold a lot of these, so supply is plentiful. More of an urban runabout, the Escape is offered with a 153-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder or a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6. It has carlike road manners and a roomy interior. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are offered.

2007 Subaru Forester -- All Foresters come with 4-wheel drive and have a good reputation for all-weather traction and durability. The roomy crossover wagon is available with a 173-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 224-hp 2.5-liter turbo.

Autotrader's Advice

The Patriot has always been the red-haired stepchild of the Jeep lineup, shunned by Jeep loyalists, but a good all-around transportation buy with lots of interior room for its size and decent fuel economy. Few were sold with the 5-speed manual, so make sure you extensively drive a Patriot you may be buying to make sure you are OK with the somewhat disconnected feel of the CVT automatic. To get cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks, look for a Limited or a Sport with an upgrade package. Always get a Carfax vehicle history report. Look for a Jeep that's seen obvious care and stay away from modified examples. Check with the dealer to make sure the Patriot you're shopping for had all the safety recall items addressed.

This image is a stock photo and is not an exact representation of any vehicle offered for sale. Advertised vehicles of this model may have styling, trim levels, colors and optional equipment that differ from the stock photo.